Sharp Eyes, Steady Hands: Elevating Nursing Assessment Skills

In this episode of Nurses Out Loud, host Suzi Eichinger brings her 38 years of bedside experience to the microphone as she continues her series on the Nursing Standard of Care.

Building on last week’s focus on physiological assessments, Suzi takes listeners into the often-overlooked genitourinary system and its critical role in patient health.

She explores how thorough GU assessments can uncover everything from UTIs and kidney injury to chronic conditions—and why missing subtle red flags can have life-altering consequences.

Beyond the physical exam, Suzi shares how GU issues impact dignity, mental health, and quality of life, underscoring the nurse’s role as both clinician and advocate.

Listeners will hear practical bedside tips for building trust with patients during sensitive exams, guidance on when genital assessments should not be deferred, and insights into infection control through careful urine sampling and antibiotic stewardship.

Suzi also highlights the nursing standards for Foley catheter use, daily reviews, and infection prevention, reminding us that excellence in routine tasks saves lives.

This episode doesn’t stop at clinical skills—it emphasizes the ethical, legal, and human dimensions of patient care. Suzi closes by connecting GU assessments with musculoskeletal considerations, encouraging early mobilization, and reminding nurses to stay curious, humble, and courageous in their practice.

Catch Nurses Out Loud on America Out Loud Talk Radio, iHeart Radio, and NursesOutLoud.com, where Suzi and her fellow nurse hosts continue building a stronger, more compassionate nursing community.